Please excuse if you receive this more than once, I am trying to reach as many people as possible and am posting it to several lists. If you are connected to this Merritt family, or think you are (see lineage posted below the message), this invitation is for you: The Annual Merritt Family Reunion will be held on June 8th, 2002, starting at 9:00 A.M. and lasting until everyone leaves. The location will be in the Frank Jackson State Park and Lake, which is located off U.S. Highway 331 North in Opp, Alabama. We would love to meet and greet all of our extended family. This Gathering is held in "Honor of all Descendants of the Merritt Family." Please bring lawn chairs and a "filled" dinner basket. There will be swimming for the kids and lots of shade to relax and visit. Don't forget to bring any old family photos, copies of genealogy material, or family stories to share with others. If you have musical abilities, a group, or just play an instrument, PLEASE come and make music for us. COME EARLY AND STAY LATE, LET'S ENJOY THE GOD GIVEN TIME THAT WE HAVE LEFT, AND ENJOY EACH OTHER'S COMPANY. For more information please contact: Eldon & Dot Merritt e-mail [email protected] MERRITT Line: Jesse MERRITT b.in NC c.1789 m.2. Nancy __ probably in Early Co. GA. Children:(m1.) Jesse Charles Merritt b.NC 1805 m. Sarah __ --5 children...Talitha, Cintha, Betty, Annie, and Missouri Jane (m2) A. Marion Merritt b. GA in 1826 m. Nancy WHITE---8 children...John Thomas b.1858 m.Sarah OWENS, William Henry b.1859 m. Syvel DREDING, Nancy Jane b.1861 m. Andrew Jackson "Blackjack" LEE Jr., Sarah Ann b. 1862 m. Bill THOMPSON, Marion Lafayette b.1863 m.Sugar Roper LASSITER, James "Jim" G. b.1865 m. Lougenia __, Mary Ann b. 1867 d.1886, Isaac David b. 1870 m Phoebe Lucinda LASSITER B. John R. Merritt b. 1832 m. Elizabeth __----4 daughters C. Jasper Marion b. 1836 m. Eliza GWALTNEY from Mobile---4 children D. Thomas J. Merritt b. 1837 m. Lucy A.E. in 1900 and lived in Hardwicksburg AL E. James A.J. Merritt b. 1839 m. Edie OWENS---1 child....James Levy Merritt "Bud" F. Mary Ann Merritt b. 1845 ---1 child...Mary A. "Molly" m. Absalom HENDRIX Except for one, Jasper Marion Merritt, these children lived in SE Alabama Counties. Jasper lived in Walton Co. FL. Their descendants are scattered all over the United States, but many have remained in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi.